Hi, Nancy and Cabe. If an engineer needs a special encoder format, or the programmable limit switches, this type of device will do the job. People realize something custom built, say for food processing, or built quickly will cost more because engineering costs get added onto the single item. A few dollars--or even a few hundred dollars--doesn't make much of a difference. Also, if equipment needs customization during manufacturing, or adjustments in the field, the programability of this type of rotary encoder makes it worth the cost.
Cabe; Let us know if you get a price quote. --Jon
Happy New Year. Although my regular column will still run in print and here, as of January 1st, I will no longer contribute items specifically for the Mechatronics Zone blog. I have had fun, though, and expect to comment now and then.
I think this is an awesome concept - seems to me it can really help an engineer in the design stage with the flexibility that it offers as a programmable device. To be able to create different encoder profiles to try as needed seems like a great design tool. I also really like the GUI - no need spending a lot of time to figure out how to program it. Even if it is cost prohibitive - it would still be an asset to a lab that uses encoders in their prototypes.
Cringing at the thought of writing "averaging" software for using a 2000 line encoder on a wacky project, this one looks like a dream come true. Setting encoder points that would work with each motor is exactly what I need.
Judging by the picture, I suspect that the price will outstrip the whole drive train it supports.
For 3D printing to make the jump from rapid prototyping to manufacturing, engineers will need to find easier ways to move products from their CAD screens to their printers.
Gigabit and PoE are two networking technologies moving ahead in tandem as industrial users power remote Ethernet devices such as IP security cameras at 1,000 Mbps over existing CAT5 cable.
New versions of BASF's Ecovio line are both compostable and designed for either injection molding or thermoforming. These combinations are becoming more common for the single-use bioplastics used in food service and food packaging applications, but are still not widely available.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 5
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
For industrial control applications, or even a simple assembly line, that machine can go almost 24/7 without a break. But what happens when the task is a little more complex? That’s where the “smart” machine would come in. The smart machine is one that has some simple (or complex in some cases) processing capability to be able to adapt to changing conditions. Such machines are suited for a host of applications, including automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, computers and electronics, telecommunications, consumer goods, and so on. This radio show will show what’s possible with smart machines, and what tradeoffs need to be made to implement such a solution.
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